2013 Master's Level Graduate Research Conference

Management of the Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) for Fort Drum, NY and the Northeast United States

The Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) is one of the most threatened grassland bird species in North America. It has been listed as endangered, threatened, or a species of concern in in 30 of 32 states and one Canadian province in its historic range. The species is now clustered in smaller areas within the state, and with fewer numbers than before. The largest concentrations currently reside in Jefferson County, NY, within the St. Lawrence plain ecozone, particularly on the Ft. Drum military base. These declining populations in the Northeast are likely due to habitat loss. This presentation describes the use of point counts and vegetation surveys on Fort Drum to establish abundance data and habitat preferences. This data will help researcher better understand the continual population decline and develop a management plan suited to this obligate grassland breeding bird.